Beware Australia smarting from France defeat, warns Lancaster

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ENGLAND head coach Stuart Lancaster has warned his team to prepare to face Australia at their best on Saturday, despite the Wallabies’ crushing defeat in France at the weekend.

Lancaster is wary of England underestimating the task of beating a team who held New Zealand to a draw just weeks ago, regardless of the 33-6 loss they suffered in Paris hours after the Red Rose routed Fiji.

“We recognise the challenge that is coming our way,” he said. “There is bound to be a reaction from the weekend’s performance against France. They are a side with character and resilience. I’m sure if they’ve got a few players coming back as well they will be a different animal on Saturday. We need to make sure we are ready.

“It was only a couple of weeks ago they pushed the All Blacks and we are expecting that type of performance this weekend. In this situation there is bound to be a reaction. They are a nation full of resilience in adversity and we need to be ready for it.”

Prop Alex Corbisiero and centre Jonathan Joseph are back in contention for the Cook Cup clash at Twickenham, having recovered from knee and ankle injuries, while wing Chris Ashton is available again after missing the 54-12 victory over Fiji through suspension.